Overview

This is an injection combination known as menotropins which is used in the treatment of infertility in women. It is a combination of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) made in the body via the pituitary gland.

Menotropins injection is given to women whose ovaries are currently healthy and they are part of a fertility program known as ART which is assisted reproductive technology. The assisted reproductive technology uses techniques such as IVF. This injection is used in combination with human chorionic gonadotropin in this procedure.

Many women who choose treatment with menotropins have previously tried treatment with clomiphene which has proven unsuccessful in conceiving a baby. Menotropins can also be used to encourage the ovary to produce several follicles, which can then be used in IVF or gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT). This medication is only available via prescription from your doctor and is available in the dosage form of 'powder for solution'.

Condition(s) treated?

Stimulation of Ovarian Follicle

Type of medicine?

Powder for solution

Side Effects

Along with the intended effects, receiving this medication can cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects need to be present, but if they do occur, you may need to seek medical attention.

Inform your doctor right away if you suffer from any of the side effects listed below whilst taking Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone:

These side effects apply to females only

Less common side effects

Unusual weakness or tiredness

Rare or less common side effects

Weight gain (rapid)

Some side effects that occur with this drug, usually don't require medical attention. You find that the severity of these side effects begins to reduce or disappear completely as your body begins to adjust to the medication. If they are bothersome, you should contact your local pharmacist or doctor for advice on ways to reduce or prevent these side effects. Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are persistent.

After you stop using this medicine, it may still continue to produce some side effects that require medical attention. During this period of time, consult with your doctor right away if you notice the following side effects:

You may suffer from other side effects that are not listed above. Check with your doctor or healthcare professional if you notice anything unusual whilst taking this medication.

Remember you can report all side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 regardless of severity.

Dosage

The final dose of any medication will depend on your individual experience. Your doctor will take into consideration your age, weight and height, any other current medical conditions and medications you are taking, the severity of your situation and your reaction to the first dose. The strength of the medication will also determine the dose you receive. The following doses are to act as a guideline, don't be alarmed if you're final dose is different.

For help in falling pregnant whilst using other pregnancy promoting methods:

Adults: Initially, 225 International Units (IU) (75 IU of Menopur® and 150 IU of Menopur® or 75 IU of Bravelle® and 150 IU of Bravelle®) injected under the skin once daily. Your doctor will adjust your dose as necessary after five days if required. However, the dose is typically no more than 450 IU each day. Don't use this medication for a period longer than twenty days.

Children: The use is not recommended for children of any age.

Interactions

Drug interactions can produce some severe side effects and reduce the effectiveness of either drug. To help limit these interactions it's important to give your doctor or healthcare professional a full list of all the current and past medications you are taking. This should include all over the counter medications, prescription, nonprescription drugs, herbal products, and vitamins. You should also let them know of any other medical conditions you suffer from as these too can increase your risk of certain interactions.

Let your doctor know if you are taking any of the following drugs alongside this medication.

Ganirelix

The presence of other medical conditions can also increase your risk of interactions. You should let your doctor or healthcare professional know if you suffer from any other medical conditions, especially:

Ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary), history of

Some medications should not be around or at the time of eating food or some types of food as this can increase the risk of some interactions. The use of tobacco or alcohol with certain medications can also increase your risk of interactions. Discuss with your doctor or healthcare professional about the use of your medication alongside alcohol, tobacco or with food.

Warnings

Allergies Let your doctor or healthcare professional know if you have ever suffered an allergic reaction to this medication or any other medications. You should also let them know if you suffer from any other allergic reactions to animals, dye, preservatives, food etc.

Use in the pediatric population: Appropriate studies have not been conducted on the relationship of age to the effects of this injection in the younger population. Therefore efficacy and safety and efficacy have not yet been established.

Use in the geriatric population: Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of this injection have not been conducted in the older population. Therefore efficacy and safety have not yet been established.

Treatment with follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone can increase the likelihood of multiple births. Multiple births have additional risks for both the unborn baby and mother. You should discuss with your doctor or healthcare professional the risk of multiple births.

It's extremely important that your doctor monitors your progress at regular appointments to ensure that the medication is working as it should do and test for unwanted effects. Urine and blood tests and ultrasound examinations are required to test for any unwanted effects caused by this medication.

Call your doctor immediately if you think you have fallen pregnant while you are using this medication. You may have a higher risk of com/health/miscarriage/">miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy if you get pregnant whilst undergoing IVF procedures. An ectopic pregnancy can be a life-threatening and serious condition. It may also cause problems that could make it harder for you to fall pregnant in the future.

If your doctor has asked you to record your BBTs which is your basal body temperature on a daily basis, ensure that you know how to do this correctly. Carefully follow the instructions that your doctor or healthcare professional has given you.

This medication can increase your risk of having a problem with the ovaries known as OHSS ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This is a serious issue that can be life-threatening. Call your doctor immediately if you suffer from any of the following problems:

Severe pain in the lower stomach area

This medication could increase your risk of having a stroke, blood clot, or heart attack. This is more likely in people who already suffer from heart disease. Contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from any of the following problems:

A sudden difficulty with breathing at night

These could be symptoms of serious blood clots or heart problems.

This medicine can cause more than one egg to be released from your ovaries at the same time which could mean you may become pregnant with more than one baby. Speak with your doctor or healthcare professional about this possibility before you begin using this medication.

This medication can increase your risk of obtaining ovarian cancer if you received it more than once to become pregnant. Speak with your doctor about the risk.

Proper use:

A trained health professional or nurse will give you this medication. This medication is given via a shot under the skin.

Menotropins injection is used alongside another hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin. At the proper time, your nurse or doctor will give you this medication.

This medication comes with a patient information leaflet. Follow and read these instructions carefully. Speak with your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions or queries.

You may be taught how to give your medication at home. If you are using this medication at home:

Wash your hands with water and soap and use a clean area to prepare your injection.

Make sure you know and carefully follow the instructions given by your doctor on how to give yourself an injection, including the proper use of a syringe and needle.

Check the solution contained in the vial. It should be colorless and clear. If it is discolored, cloudy, or contains large particles, under no circumstances should you use it.

Do not inject less or more of the medication than has been directed by your doctor.

You will be shown the body areas where you have to give this injection. You should rotate between different body areas each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot via diary or picture to help prevent skin problems.

Use a new syringe and needle each time you inject your medication.

It's extremely important that you keep track of each dose you have injected. Your nurse or doctor can help you with this.

Storage

Keep this medication out of the reach of children. Do not keep medication you no longer need or has passed its expiry date.

Ask your healthcare professional or local pharmacist on how you should dispose of correctly of any medication you no longer use.

Store any unused medication in the fridge or at room temperature until it is mixed for use. Protect this medication from light.

Dispose of any used syringes or needles in a hard, closed container (sharps box) that the needles cannot break through. Ensure this container is kept away from pets and children.

Summary

When used correctly, Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone are successful in treating fertility problems in women. This medication will be given to you via injection in a vein usually in your arm. This drug will typically be given in a medical setting by a doctor or trained nurse, however, in some cases, it can be given at home. If you are given this medication at home, it's important you follow instructions correctly. It's important that you attend all appointments and receive regular blood tests to test for any serious or unwanted side effects. This medication can cause multiple births which can cause serious problems, you should discuss with your doctor this possibility of this before you revive this medication. If you have any other questions or require further information on the practical use of this medication, you should contact your doctor or healthcare professional.

The information contained on this website is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consultation with your doctor or healthcare professional is advised regarding any usage of this site. In the event of an emergency call 911.